Department of Student Development & Engagement (SDE)

Established in March 2022, the Department of Student Development and Engagement (SDE) was created through a collaborative effort between the campus community and shared governance process to provide a dedicated home for affinity-based programs. Although SDE is a relatively new department, many of its programs have deep roots at Fullerton College emerging from grassroots movements led by students, faculty, and classified staff advocating for equity, representation, and support. 

SDE encompasses four key programs: the Cadena Cultural Center, the Grads to Be Program, the LGBTQIA2S+ Resource Program, and the Umoja Community Program. Each program has evolved through intentional restructuring to strengthen student support and align with institutional equity goals.

To provide context, the Cadena Transfer Center was restructured into two separate entities (1) the Transfer Center and (2) the Cadena Cultural Center, allowing the Cadena Cultural Center to operate as a standalone program within SDE and the Transfer Center as its own center. This restructure was as a result of recommendations from the Student Equity and Achievement (SEA) Taskforce in 2021 to expand equity efforts more intentionally.

Similarly, the Grads to Be Program, originally a sub-program of the Cadena Transfer Center became an independent program when SDE was established. The LGBTQIA2S+ Resource Program, launched just four months prior to SDE’s creation, naturally integrated as one of the department’s founding programs.

The Umoja Community Program, which previously reported to the Dean of Student Services, also transitioned under SDE, enabling more intentional coordination, strategic planning, and advocacy.

While each SDE program provides specialized services and culturally relevant support, the department as a whole serves as a unifying hub bridging programs, fostering collaboration, and uplifting intersecting student identities. Through this holistic approach, SDE works to integrate resources, provide wraparound services, cultivate brave and affirming spaces, and nurture a deep sense of belonging across the campus community. 

Mental Health & Wellness

Grads to Be Program

The Grads to Be Program supports undocumented students and students with mixed status families by providing resources and services designed towards enhancing and supporting their academic goals and personal well-being.

Location: Student Support Center, Second Floor, Room 201

Email: grads2be@fullcoll.edu

Phone: 714-992-7105

Website: grads2be.fullcoll.edu 

Facebook/Instagram @g2bfullcoll

Umoja Community Program

The Umoja Community Program is designed to provide essential educational support and services to increase the academic success, retention, degree or certificate completion, and transfer rates of the Black/African, Black/African American or Black/African Diasporic student population and Umoja Scholars enrolled at Fullerton College. 

Location: Building 1900, Rooms 1903-04

Email: umoja@fullcoll.edu

Phone: 714-992-7155

Website: umoja.fullcoll.edu

Instagram: @fcumojacommunity